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Befriending

Befriending involves getting to know somebody new.

Some services can put two people in touch with each other in order to offer mutual support. Some organisations recruit befrienders who are trained to offer support regularly. This contact can take place over the phone, online, or in person.

The service can provide regular company and a chance to participate in social activities.

Social activities can be based in the community or online.  Some people make new friends and gain companionship over the phone and participate in activities such as letter writing, book clubs and conversations.

To give you an impression of what befriending might be like, watch a video  about befriending, provided by Royal Voluntary Service in Sheffield.

Befriending Services

Below are some befriending services available in Camden for older people. 

The Silver Line 

The Silver Line provides a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and support to older people, from 8am - 7pm, every day of the year.

Freephone: 0800 470 80 90

Email: info@thesilverline.org.uk

Website: The Silver Line Helpline

Henna Asian Women’s Group

Henna Asian Women's Group provide a telephone befriending service, including in person chats over coffee, shopping and support with GP appointments.   

Email: momota@hennaorg.co.uk

Number: 07538 127 988

North London Cares 

North London Cares provide a Social club with activities held on Zoom or in person for people over 65. 

Website: https://northlondoncares.org.uk/make-a-referral

Telephone: 020 7118 3838 

Re-engage 

Re-engage provide a telephone befriending service to people aged 75 and over. 

Website: Social activity groups for older people & befriending service (reengage.org.uk)

Freephone: 0800 716 543

Third Age Project 

Third Age Project provide a telephone befriending service for residents aged 50 and over in the West Euston area. 

Website: www.thirdageproject.org.uk

Contact number: 020 7383 4922

Email: info@thirdageproject.org.uk

Age UK Telephone Friendship Service

Age UK Telephone Friendship Service is for people over 60. 

Website to sign up today: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/sign-up-for-telephone-befriending/

Age UK Camden - Dementia Befriending Service

Age UK Camden's dementia befriending service is a telephone service. 

Email: dementia.wellbeing@ageukcamden.org.uk

Telephone: 020 7239 0400

Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/our-services/dementia-support/dementia-befriending/

Opening Doors London Befriending Service for LGBTQ+

Opening Doors is a telephone befriending service for the LGBTQ+ community aged 50 and over who would like to receive weekly phone calls. 

Telephone: 020 7239 0400

Email: befriending@openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Website: https://www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk/befriending

Age UK Camden Good Neighbours Scheme

The Good Neighbours Scheme is for residents in NW3 and Primrose Hill.  The scheme includes making home visits.  

Email: gns@ageukcamden.org.uk 

Telephone: 020 7239 0400 

 

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